nicomede writes: The French branch of the Church of Scientology has been fined €600,000 for fraud in an appeal trial today. Three ex-members complained to having been pressured into buying courses, books and purfication packages, and having great difficulty to leave the organization. It is not recognized as a official Church in France, but is widely regarded as a sect in this country.The legal battle is not over yet, as the Scientology intends to put the case before the Cour de Cassation — the highest relevant court in France.